Being part of a successful team at the highest level of cycling. These have been the most beautiful days in my career as a professional cyclist so far.

Pro since

2008

On being a team captain

“I’m always thinking about how to race smart, the strategy we choose and how we can use individual strengths to achieve our common goal. I love to play the tactical game. It’s not only about who’s the strongest guy in the peloton, but also which team is the smartest.”

2017 success

“I think the good flow in the Tour de France started with the successes in the Giro d’Italia. The moment we saw our approach was working, everyone in the team was able to rise above themselves.”

Favorite climb

I train a lot on the Eyserbosweg in the southern part of the Netherlands. It’s a short, steep climb.

Favorite race

The Tour de France. Cursing this race only takes a minute, and then you realize how beautiful it is.